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Column: Barbeque Ball fundraiser a success

The sixth annual Barbeque Ball, a fundraiser for the Henderson County Young Leaders Program, was held Saturday at Camp Highlander in Mills River. More than 300 people enjoyed food from Hubba Hubba Smokehouse, live music provided by the Whitewater Bluegrass Company and square dancing.

Fran Caldwell/Times-News

By Fran CaldwellTimes-News correspondent

Published: Monday, October 14, 2013 at 6:32 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, October 14, 2013 at 6:32 p.m.

Camp Highlander in Mills River was the site of the sixth annual Barbeque Ball, a fundraiser for the Henderson County Young Leaders Program, on Saturday. More than 300 people enjoyed great food from Hubba Hubba Smokehouse, live music provided by the Whitewater Bluegrass Company and square dancing.

There was also a silent auction featuring 39 auction items, as well as games and activities for the children. Last year this fundraiser raised over $80,000 for the Young Leaders Program.

The Henderson County Young Leaders Program is a not-for-profit corporation made up of community volunteers who provide local children a progression of residential camp experiences and a year-around program of mentoring, service and development activities.

The program is based on the strong belief that a residential camp experience offers a unique opportunity to help develop responsibility, leadership, character, confidence and resourcefulness in young people.

Over 200 third- through sixth-graders participated in the program last year. These children were nominated by school counselors, teachers and the Boys and Girls Club.

Participants begin the process with a weekend at Kanuga's Camp Bob. After the first weekend, there is a progression of five distinct programs to participate in, with eligibility based on success at the previous level. Successful participants from Camp Bob attend a full week camp in August at Camp Ton-A-Wandah. This camp helps participants gain the self-confidence and life skills they need for future success.

The next step in the process is called "Pathmakers." This is a year-around service and development program operated in cooperation with the Boys and Girls Club. Successful participants of "Pathmakers" are eligible for scholarship opportunities to multi-week sessions offered by 13 participating Western North Carolina camps.

The final step in the process is called "L.E.A.D". This is a year-around service and development program for high school-aged participants. This program offers monthly activities and training designed to influence success in high school and beyond.

The Henderson County Young Leaders Program provides opportunities for children to learn responsibility, independence and ways to overcome adversity, the group says. It inspires youth through confidence building and mentor-based programs to develop our community's leaders for tomorrow.

People participating in the Barbecue Ball fundraiser came out to Camp Highlander to offer assistance and encouragement to the hundreds of young people positively influenced by the program.

<p>Camp Highlander in Mills River was the site of the sixth annual Barbeque Ball, a fundraiser for the Henderson County Young Leaders Program, on Saturday. More than 300 people enjoyed great food from Hubba Hubba Smokehouse, live music provided by the Whitewater Bluegrass Company and square dancing. </p><p>There was also a silent auction featuring 39 auction items, as well as games and activities for the children. Last year this fundraiser raised over $80,000 for the Young Leaders Program.</p><p>The Henderson County Young Leaders Program is a not-for-profit corporation made up of community volunteers who provide local children a progression of residential camp experiences and a year-around program of mentoring, service and development activities.</p><p>The program is based on the strong belief that a residential camp experience offers a unique opportunity to help develop responsibility, leadership, character, confidence and resourcefulness in young people.</p><p>Over 200 third- through sixth-graders participated in the program last year. These children were nominated by school counselors, teachers and the Boys and Girls Club. </p><p>Participants begin the process with a weekend at Kanuga's Camp Bob. After the first weekend, there is a progression of five distinct programs to participate in, with eligibility based on success at the previous level. Successful participants from Camp Bob attend a full week camp in August at Camp Ton-A-Wandah. This camp helps participants gain the self-confidence and life skills they need for future success. </p><p>The next step in the process is called "Pathmakers." This is a year-around service and development program operated in cooperation with the Boys and Girls Club. Successful participants of "Pathmakers" are eligible for scholarship opportunities to multi-week sessions offered by 13 participating Western North Carolina camps.</p><p>The final step in the process is called "L.E.A.D". This is a year-around service and development program for high school-aged participants. This program offers monthly activities and training designed to influence success in high school and beyond.</p><p>The Henderson County Young Leaders Program provides opportunities for children to learn responsibility, independence and ways to overcome adversity, the group says. It inspires youth through confidence building and mentor-based programs to develop our community's leaders for tomorrow.</p><p>People participating in the Barbecue Ball fundraiser came out to Camp Highlander to offer assistance and encouragement to the hundreds of young people positively influenced by the program.</p>